Devolution statement

Dear Mr Mayor and Mr Deputy Mayor,
Re: Devolution
There have been numerous statements from neighbouring authorities including Central Bedfordshire Council, Luton Borough Council and the Northamptonshire Councils regarding devolution and the Government's top-down imposition of new structure on existing networks of collaboration between councils.
We are deeply concerned about the waste this top-down "devolution" represents, creating a whole new tier of Government, as well as the undemocratic nature of any such authority and the lack of localism in the proposals. We do not need to add another costly level of government in order to work with neighbouring authorities on matters of joint interest.
We are also aware that the Deputy Mayor has been representing Bedford Borough Council in constructive conversations at the South Midlands Authorities Board, which last met on 12 November 2024 and is due to meet in a few days on 21 January 2025.
I am writing publicly to ask you to agree, in writing, that Bedford Borough Council not sign up to any proposed model of combined authority without a debate and discussion, and vote of Full Council, that you will respect that vote in principle (even if it is constitutionally non-binding) and that you will resist plans to reduce the powers of truly local government, be it our Borough, or Parish and Town Councils.
If a new authority has to be adopted, our Group position is to prefer a non-Mayoral model and to join with BLMK rather than BLMK and the Northamptonshire councils. 
I hope this letter is taken in the positive and constructive way intended and look forward to your response.
With best wishes, 
 
Henry Vann
Leader, Bedford Borough Council Liberal Democrats